As a very large fan community, we have the power to make a difference towards a number of causes championed by our favorite BTVS actors and actresses. During the holiday season, it’s very easy to get wrapped up in your own affairs, because hey. the holidays are not easy! However, you need to remember to take a step back and put things in perspective. Yes, you may be stressed out about planning dinner and how you’re going to buy and wrap gifts on time. But think about the people on this Earth who don’t have the opportunity to partake in these preparations let alone the holidays themselves. People who live in poverty or suffer from circumstances or conditions out of their control. When you put yourselves in their shoes, it really makes you stop and consider all the things you take for granted, and forces you to count your blessings. When we are in a position of good fortune, it makes it all that more important for us to give some of that fortune to others who desperately need it.

As I thought of all the causes that our beloved BTVS stars support, it got me thinking. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is such a powerful cultural phenomenon that produced equally powerful and highly regarded actors and actresses. Along with great television and inspiring stars comes a devoted fandom. Cue us, a community of fans that is strong as ever years after the show aired. Because we are so numerous, I got the idea to band together this year and pool our resources for organizations supported by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Eliza Dushku and Joss Whedon. Thus, “Fans in Action” was born, along with the nifty tag line “As a fandom we stand, to give those in need a helping hand.”

By donating to a cause that speaks to you on this post, know that you are making a difference in someone’s life for the better. It doesn’t matter how much you can give – every contribution greatly helps your fellow human beings.

With that being said, I have no doubt that we can set our goal high this holiday season. (Keep in mind this goal reflects my audience reach – I can’t go setting $6,000 as a goal when I don’t even have that many likes on Facebook 😉 ). I’ve selected 3 causes that would benefit greatly from some support from our fan community. If we raise a total of $200 for each cause, we can collectively give $600 to those in need before the end of the year. If we are successful, then that will be a sign to me that we can do more great things like this in the future! Lastly, anyone who donates (to either or multiple of the causes) will get a little virtual stocking with their name on it on the “All Star Scoobies 2014” page on this website!

Sarah Michelle Gellar is an Ambassador for Unilever’s Project Sunlight, which has partnered with Feeding America to combat against hunger in the USA. Here is a video clip of her on the Queen Latifah show talking about Project Sunlight and also HITTING A TARGET WITH STICKY BALLS FOR CHARITY.

There are many ways to contribute to the cause, and holding a virtual food drive is one of them. Even just donating one dollar means 10 meals for people who need food. No one wants to go hungry, so fill plates and empty stomachs by donating today!

Eliza Dushku is a Board Member on the THRIVEGulu team (formerly known as THRACEGulu – Trauma Healing and Reflection Center) which her mom Judy is the president and founder of. THRIVEGulu is this amazing organization that aims to help the city of Gulu and other communities in Northern Uganda heal from the horrible effects of war. Learn more about their mission and vision here. Be sure to check out this interview with Eliza on the cause and check out this moving clip before donating:

Equality Now is an organization that fights against discrimination and violence against women around the world.

In general, the organization is very focused on fighting for human rights for girls and women. The strive to combat against Discrimination in Law, Trafficking, Sexual Violence, and Female Genital Mutilation. Your donation today will contribute towards eradicating these horrible practices and help girls and women everywhere.

Joss Whedon has been awarded and honored by Equality Now in the past for his work within the field of gender equality. Check out his amazing speech on gender equality within the film and television industry:

A HUGE thank you to everyone who was able to donate, and remember, if you can’t donate at this time, PLEASE share these fundraisers with your family and friends so we can reach our goals and make a difference this holiday season.We are the greatest fan community there is and we only better ourselves and those around us by banding together and helping out in any way we can.Thank you again and remember to share!! 🙂